The Lakeland Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Brown as the new Assistant Chief of Administration, effective July 28, 2024.
Assistant Chief Brown brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service, with more than 25 years of experience in fire service and administration. In his new role, Assistant Chief Brown will be responsible for managerial and administrative work, assisting in planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Fire Department’s Administrative division.
Fire Chief Doug Riley is confident in Assistant Chief Brown’s abilities, stating, “Matt’s extensive experience and dedication make him a great candidate for this position. We are excited to have him on our executive leadership team and are optimistic about the impact he will have on our department and the community we serve.”
Assistant Chief Matt Brown has been integral to the Lakeland Fire Department for many years. In 1999, he began his career with the Lakeland Fire Department. Assistant Chief Brown served as a firefighter until 2005 when he was promoted to Lieutenant. In 2016, he was appointed as the department’s first Training Captain, and in 2022, he was promoted again within the Training Division to Training Chief.
Assistant Chief Brown previously served as the coordinator for the department’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and SWAT Paramedic teams. He holds certifications as a Fire Officer II, Fire Inspector II, Fire Instructor III, Live Fire Instructor I, State Pump Operator, and Paramedic. Chief Brown is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Managing Fire Officer (MFO) Program and the Florida Fire Chief’s Association Emergency Services Leadership Institution (ESLI). In addition to these professional certifications, he is a principal committee member for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006 and NFPA 1021 committees, providing recommendations for national standards on Technical Rescue and Professional Qualifications for Fire Officers. Chief Brown also serves as the Work Group Leader for the State Technical Rescue Teams.
“I am honored to accept the position of Assistant Chief of Administration,” said Matt Brown. “I look forward to continuing to serve the Lakeland community and working alongside the dedicated members of the Lakeland Fire Department to enhance our services and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”
In addition to his work at the Lakeland Fire Department, Chief Brown is actively involved in serving his community. He is a dedicated member of the Lakeland Rotary Club and a graduate and member of Lakeland Leadership Class XXXIII.
Chief Brown has received multiple Firefighter of the Year awards on local and state levels for two heroic off-duty actions and his community service. In 2016, he was honored with the American Legion National Firefighter of the Year award for related incidents.
The Lakeland Fire Department is unwavering in its commitment to providing exceptional emergency services and ensuring the safety of the community. With the appointment of Matt Brown as Assistant Chief of Administration, the department is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and commitment to public safety.
